AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

This bill clarifies the rules for when registered nurses and nurse practitioners can administer deep sedation and general anesthesia during elective, non-emergency procedures. It explicitly prohibits these providers from giving certain strong anesthesia medications for scheduled procedures unless there is an immediate emergency where delaying care would endanger a patient's life or safety. The law maintains that nurses can still provide lighter levels of sedation and ensures that students in anesthesia training programs can participate under supervision. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Health to create specific regulations by 2027 and report on how the new rules impact patient access, hospital operations, and safety incidents by 2028.